except for

preposition

1
: with the exception of
everyone was gone except for me
2
: were it not for
except for you I would be dead

Examples of except for in a Sentence

except for newscasts, I hardly watch any television at all
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fact, all of the top nominees benefited from that math, except for Johnson, who got all eight of his nominations as the artist without writing or producing any of his entries. Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025 The couple looked sleek in all-black ensembles — except for Paul's white dress shirt — and Leerdam was excited to chat about her fiancée's proposal, showing off her rock in interviews and photos at the event. Natasha Dye, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025 What Glace Rone encountered was a completely white turkey, except for a single black tassel hanging from the bird’s breast. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025 Enhanced safety requirements culled all vehicles produced by the Detroit Three from the winners' circle except for three: The Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Lincoln Nautilus reached Top Safety Pick-plus status, while the Chevrolet Traverse made Top Safety Pick. Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for except for

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of except for was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Except for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/except%20for. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

except for

preposition
: with the exception of : but for
all A's except for a B in Latin
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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